Israel and Hezbollah

US envoy meets with Netanyahu as tensions intensify between Israel and Hezbollah

From Eugenia Yosef and Tamar Michaelis

US special envoy Amos Hochstein met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem on Monday, the Israeli PM’s office said in a statement. 

The statement didn’t detail what was discussed in the meeting but Hochstein’s visit happens as Washington is intensifying diplomatic efforts to try and prevent an escalation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. 

“The meeting was attended by Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, Chief of Staff Rabbi Tzachi Braverman, the Prime Minister’s military secretary General Roman Goffman, political advisor Ofir Fleck and US Deputy Ambassador to Israel Stephanie Hallett,” the statement added. 

Hochstein also met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, where the pair discussed the necessity of securing the release of all hostages held by Hamas as well as Hezbollah’s attacks.

“In their meeting, they discussed the relentless attacks and rocket fire from Hezbollah, instigated by Iran, towards Israel’s northern towns and cities, and the urgent need to restore security to the northern border and allow residents to return safely to their homes,” Herzog’s office added.”

Remember: The latest fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, a powerful, Iran-backed paramilitary group that operates out of southern Lebanon, was sparked by the October 7 attacks by Hamas and the ensuing war in Gaza. Hezbollah has voiced support for Hamas and says it is fighting in support of the Palestinian people.

This post has been updated with additional reporting on the meeting.